Liverpool vs Manchester United: Premier League Pick & Prediction, October 19, 2025
The stage is set for another chapter in English football’s most famous rivalry when defending champions Liverpool take on Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, October 19th, in a clash that could reshape the early Premier League title race.
Just a couple of weeks ago, few would have imagined that Manchester United could close the gap on the title-holders to just two points and yet that’s the scenario heading into Sunday’s derby. While Arne Slot’s Reds are enduring a bruising spell of form, Rúben Amorim’s Red Devils have quietly found their rhythm and will arrive on Merseyside sensing an opportunity to inflict further misery on their bitter rivals.
Liverpool’s aura of invincibility has dimmed following three consecutive defeats in all competitions, while United are chasing a fourth league win from six to reignite their campaign. It’s a rivalry steeped in history, passion, and unpredictability – and this latest edition of the Northwest derby promises to be no different.
Head-to-Head History (H2H: Liverpool vs Manchester United)
Liverpool and Manchester United remain English football’s most decorated clubs, but recent history has swung firmly in the Reds’ favor, especially at Anfield.
Liverpool remain unbeaten in their last 10 home games against Man United (5-5-0), last suffering defeat in this clash back in January 2016. More recently, United managed to snatch a 2–2 draw at Anfield last season, but the Merseysiders have dominated this matchup in the Klopp and now Slot eras, including their historic 7–0 demolition in March 2023.
However, Amorim’s side did show progress last season by claiming a draw and producing a much-improved display. Strange things often happen in this rivalry, and given Liverpool’s current vulnerability, Manchester United will feel they can at least test the holders once again.
Liverpool: Current Form and Team News
The international break could not have come soon enough for Arne Slot’s Liverpool, whose early-season momentum has stalled dramatically. Once famed for their last-minute heroics, the Reds have instead been victims of late heartbreak in recent weeks – conceding stoppage-time goals in back-to-back Premier League defeats.
Defeats on their trips to London at Crystal Palace and Chelsea (both 2-1), both settled by 90th-minute strikes from Eddie Nketiah and Estevao Willian respectively, have left the champions reeling. The frustration deepened with a shock 1-0 loss to Turkish giants Galatasaray in the Champions League – a performance that exposed defensive frailties and a concerning lack of composure in front of goal, but most importantly – Alisson picked up an injury.
Liverpool’s once-impervious defense has vanished; the Reds have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six matches in all competitions, conceding nine goals in that stretch – the joint-most among the Premier League’s top nine teams.
There is at least some good news on the injury front. French defender Ibrahima Konate and Ryan Gravenberch have both returned to fitness and are expected to start, providing much-needed stability. However, first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Italian youngster Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined, while Wataru Endo is unlikely to feature.
The spotlight, as always, will fall on Mohamed Salah, who continues to be Manchester United’s tormentor-in-chief. The Egyptian has been involved in 22 goals (16 goals and six assists) in 17 matches across all competitions – more than any other player in the competition’s history. After breaking World Cup qualifying records for Egypt over the break, Salah will be eager to spark Liverpool’s domestic revival on Sunday.
Manchester United: Current Form and Team News
It’s been a turbulent start to Rúben Amorim’s tenure, but Manchester United finally appear to be stabilizing. The Red Devils enter Sunday’s derby buoyed by two wins from their last three top-flight games and a steady climb into the top half of the table.
Before the break, United dispatched Sunderland 2–0 at Old Trafford, thanks to first-half strikes from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko.
Still, United’s away form remains a glaring weakness. The Red Devils are winless in their last eight Premier League away matches, a run that places them among the division’s poorest travelers. Moreover, only Burnley and Brentford have fared worse on the road this term (yet to earn a point).
Defensive issues persist too. Lisandro Martínez is still recovering from a long-term knee injury, while Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven are both doubts. Amorim did confirm that Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo, and Matheus Cunha are all fit despite missing midweek training sessions.
Despite Cunha’s availability, the Portuguese tactician may stick with the attacking trio of Mbeumo, Mount, and Sesko, Mbeumo, who impressed in the victory over Sunderland. There’s also speculation that Manuel Ugarte could be handed a surprise start after being left out of Uruguay’s international fixtures, while veteran Casemiro returns after an exhausting journey with Brazil.
Elsewhere, Senne Lammens should get the nod over Altay Bayindir again, as the Belgian goalkeeper made an impressive debut against the Black Cats.
Possible Starting Lineups of Liverpool and Manchester United
Liverpool: Giorgi Mamardashvili – Dominik Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez – Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones – Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo – Alexander Isak. (4-2-3-1)
Manchester United: Senne Lammens – Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Luke Shaw – Diogo Dalot, Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Dorgu – Bryan Mbeumo, Mason Mount – Benjamin Sesko. (3-4-2-1)
Tactical Duel: Arne Slot vs Rúben Amorim
Arne Slot prefers a proactive, possession-based style, emphasizing high pressing, narrow wingers, and rapid interchanges through midfield. When it clicks, Liverpool can overwhelm opponents – but their transitions have become sloppy, exposing vulnerabilities between Van Dijk and Kerkez on the left, and Konate struggling on the right. Without Alisson’s reliability in goal, Liverpool’s risk-heavy approach has looked increasingly fragile.
Ruben Amorim, meanwhile, has brought a blend of vertical transitions and compact defensive organization to Old Trafford. His 3-4-2-1 structure morphs into a 4-2-3-1 when out of possession, aiming to congest central spaces and spring forward through Mount and Fernandes. United’s biggest test will be containing Salah’s movement between the lines while maintaining discipline against Liverpool’s aggressive full-backs.
Expect United to press selectively and counter through Sesško’s physical presence and Mbeumo’s pace, while Liverpool will dominate possession and look to exploit spaces behind United’s full-backs – perhaps Dalot and Dorgu. The tactical balance may hinge on how effectively Amorim’s midfielders can disrupt Gravenberch and his partner in buildup play.
Liverpool vs Manchester United Betting Odds and Pick
According to the latest betting odds from EveryGame, Liverpool are -167 favorites, with the draw priced at +333 and Manchester United at +400 to claim a first win at Anfield in nearly 10 years.
Despite Liverpool’s recent struggles, Anfield remains one of the most intimidating venues in world football, and Slot’s men will be desperate to halt their slide. United’s defensive lapses away from home and Liverpool’s attacking unpredictability both suggest that goals could flow freely on Sunday.
The history between these sides often produces drama and high score lines – six of their last nine Premier League meetings have featured Over 3.5 goals. With both teams possessing dynamic attacking talent and defensive frailties, the best value lies in the goals market.
Liverpool’s desperation to return to form, coupled with United’s renewed confidence, should ensure a thrilling contest packed with end-to-end action – and more than a few goals at Anfield.
For those who believe Liverpool will stop the rot, there’s also a tempting play in the “Outcome and Both Teams to Score” market – Liverpool to Win and Yes is priced at +155 with EveryGame.